NAB 2016 happens next week, and we’re as excited as can be about the remarkable new tech debuting at this year’s convention. From virtual reality to drones to robots to wireless everything, NAB 2016 should be an awesome time this year, unless, of course, some of the new tech’s AI becomes sentient…and angry…a risk we’re willing to take.
Here’s a quick preview of the top new gear we can’t wait to check out on the show floor.
Lytro Cinema Camera System
Light-field imaging innovator Lytro will unveil its revolutionary new Cinema camera system for film and television. Utilizing the latest in light-field (plenoptic) technology, the camera’s 755-megapixel sensor captures intensity, color, and directional data for all visible light rays in an image at up to 300 frames per second. The system separates objects by depth, storing this massive amount of data in a three-dimensional model. Lytro Cinema captures this hyper-rich footage in up to sixteen stops of dynamic range with wide-gamut color.
With Lytro Cinema, everything can be tweaked in post – focus position, depth of field, shutter speed, dynamic range – and further wizardry permits the rendering of a depth map for every frame of video. This facilitates a more natural combination of CGI with live footage without requiring green screens.
The Lytro Cinema system includes their light-field camera, a server array for storage and processing, and light field data editing software. Lytro has designed the system to easily integrate into existing production and post-production workflows. Check out this video to learn more: www.lytro.com/cinema#video.
Visit Lytro at NAB, where they’ll be premiering “Life”, the first short to utilize the Cinema camera system. “Life” was directed by Academy Award winner Robert Stromberg, DGA with cinematography by David Stump, ASC. More info on Lytro’s NAB presence here: www.lytro.com/nab2016.
SHOTOVER F1 LIVE and SHOTOVER Action Sports Video
SHOTOVER will showcase their new gyro-stabilized camera platform, the F1 LIVE. This variant of the popular SHOTOVER F1 series platform arrives fully configured with the customer’s broadcast camera and lens system of choice.
Designed specifically with the needs of the broadcast and ENG markets in mind, SHOTOVER F1 LIVE supports all major broadcast and surveillance cameras – both 4K and 2K models – and includes various special features like multi-user support, which allows different operators to save their settings and preferences in the system and access them with a simple selection of presets.
Coinciding with NAB, SHOTOVER has just released an awesome new video that highlights the capabilities of the company’s U1 drone and U1g gimbal. Focusing on the New Zealand action sports scene, the video was shot by acclaimed aerial cinematographer Ty Evans, who will be at SHOTOVER’s booth from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on both Monday, April 18th, and Tuesday, April 19th. SHOTOVER promises to release more video collaborations with Evans in the coming weeks.
Find SHOTOVER at NAB at booth C1713, and watch the Ty Evans video here: http://shotover.com/videos/all/shotover_u1_launch_reel.
Hitachi Kokusai’s New Slow-Mo Camera
Hitachi Kokusai will be at booth C4309, where they will spotlight their role in advanced and emerging technologies. The SK-UHD8060 Super Hi-Vision dockable 8K camera, which is Hitachi Kokusai’s fourth-generation 8K production solution, will be on display. The camera features a Super 35mm CMOS sensor with 7,680 x 4,320 resolution, PL-mount lens, on-board recording capabilities, and a 12-inch viewfinder. This 8K powerhouse is designed to support the latest advances in HDR, wide color gamut, and high frame rate tech.
Hitachi Kokusai is also introducing a new slow-motion camera, the SK-HD1300HS. Billed as a cost-effective solution for studio and field production, the SK-HD1300HS offers high-caliber slow motion capture at a more affordable price range. This slow-mo camera uses a 2.6 megapixel, 2/3-inch, MOS sensor and pairs with the new Hitachi Kokusai SMPTE optical fiber camera adapters and camera control units for video output compatible with popular slow-motion servers from third-party companies.
The SK-HD1300HS, like other Hitachi Kokusai cameras, takes advantage of proprietary remote control and setup control units using a TCP/IP network. The camera also features powerful image adjustment tools and other extras like adaptive skin-tone detail processing, black stretch, Ultra-Gamma response, and focus assist, just to name a few.
Hitachi Kokusai will also introduce an array of new accessories for its comprehensive HD camera range.
Two other Hitachi divisions, Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) and Hitachi Digital Media, will also be at the Hitachi Kokusai booth at NAB. HDS will participate with Hitachi Kokusai to feature its Unified Compute Platform (UCP) for synergizing media workflows from content capture to content delivery. HDS has optimized its UCP for cloud-based media processing, content catalog creation, and collaboration.
Hitachi Digital Media is also announcing its first one-chip DLP laser light projector, the LP-WU9750B. This solid-state 8,000-lumen projector uses a new laser-diode light source that offers approximately 20,000 hours of operation time with zero maintenance required and no lamp or filter to worry about replacing.
Fujifilm’s New FUJINON XK6x20 Zoom Lens
You’ll find Fujifilm at booth C7125 this year, where they are unveiling their new Premier PL 20-120mm Cabrio XK (XK6x20) zoom lens for digital cinema-style and broadcast cameras. This lens has a T-stop of T3.5 consistent throughout the entire focal length range, detachable servo drive unit, and support for wireless control and 4K recording. The 20-120mm Cabrio has a nine-blade iris, providing an extra-round iris shape for capturing natural bokeh, and it comes with all lens data outputs required by today’s cine-style shooters for LDS and /i Tech metadata compatibility.
Stop by their booth to check out the new lens and the complete FUJINON lineup, including all of their latest for 4K applications.
Tether Tools’ Case Relay Camera Power System
Tether Tools will be introducing their new Case Relay Camera Power System, an uninterruptible power system that consistently powers cameras via any common USB 5V power pack or wall power. Case Relay works with most DSLR and mirrorless cameras currently on the market. The power system holds a secondary 1,200 mAh internal charge that allows you to hot swap your power sources at any time – even mid-shoot – and not lose any uptime.
Contact TetherTools to arrange a hands-on demo at NAB by emailing lkapinos@tethertools.com, and check out their product video here: https://youtu.be/le4vG8BCnHo .
Case Relay could prove to be a major stress-reducer, especially for those of us who lie awake at night wondering if we remembered to put the batteries on the charger.
Mo-Sys Engineering’s ViaRail Dolly
Camera robotics experts Mo-Sys Engineering – of Gravity, Life of Pi, and Birdman fame – will showcase their various robotic camera systems, with emphasis on the debut of their ViaRail dolly, a floor-based expansion of their ViaRail family of traveling rail systems for broadcast. ViaRail dolly includes an option for a column allowing vertical camera movements.
Mo-Sys will also display their StarTracker studio camera tracking system, used by ESPN and BBC, and a new Jimmy Jim interface for their high-precision B20 remote head.
Catch Mo-Sys at booth C7549, where you can count on them to have some cool demos and lively discussion about their products’ capabilities, including VR integration.
SGO’s Mistika and Mamba FX Version 8.7 with VR Support
The post-production experts at SGO will be at booth SL9027 spotlighting the new version 8.7 of their acclaimed Mistika finishing system (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Mamba FX node-based compositing software. SGO will also be previewing their latest developments in VR finishing and color grading toolsets for HDR, which they’re calling a “must-see” for all those serious about finishing 360° video and VR content.
You’ll also be able to check out Mistika Air, which is a future-proofed version of Mistika tailored for high-def broadcasters. SGO says that Mistika Air is a “stress-tested solution which promotes seamless integration and high-end production tools for HD, Ultra HD, and 8K productions.”
Timecode Systems’ SyncBac
Timecode Systems’ latest, the SyncBac PRO, attaches to the bus 30-pin port on a GoPro Hero4 and enables the camera to generate its own frame-accurate timecode. The discreet timecoding unit clips onto the camera with no external connectors required, so the GoPro retains its mobility and lightness. The SyncBac PRO can wirelessly sync timecode with any professional camera and audio equipment, as well as with multiple other GoPros at the same time. At the end of the day, you’ll simply need to remove the SD card from your GoPro and hand over the footage with embedded timecode to post. It’s all there on a single MP4 file that can be uploaded into any editing package, just like content from typical professional broadcast cameras and audio devices.
When integrated with the rest of the Timecode Systems’ ecosystem, the SyncBac PRO’s functionality continues to increase. Combined with Timecode System’s B:LINK Hub dashboard (available for iOS, Android, Mac, and PC) via their :pulse device, users can wirelessly interact with all SyncBac-paired GoPros being used on a shoot over long-range RF, allowing you to view and control the cameras as well as adjust camera settings, start/stop recording, and monitor status.
Stop by at booth C2221 to see Timecode Systems’ SyncBac in action for yourself.
Chimera Lighting’s Tech Lightbanks for ARRI SkyPanel LED
Looking to modify your ARRI S30 and S60 SkyPanel LED fixtures? Chimera Lighting has got you covered with their new Tech Lightbanks. These light banks come in a range of shapes and sizes and are bundled with the necessities: mounting frame, full diffusion front screen, ½- and ¼-grid front screens, 1/8-grid inner baffle, etc.
Chimera also offers accessories – egg-crate fabric and metal honeycomb grids, barn doors – further expanding the functionality of the Tech Lightbanks and ARRI’s SkyPanel LEDs. Visit Chimera Lighting at booth C5640 to see the full Tech Lightbanks line.
AAdynTech’s New Brighter LED Fixtures
LED solutions continue to evolve, and this year at NAB, lighting company AAdynTech is unveiling their latest advancements. Their new generation of fixtures boasts more light output than ever before, with a 30% increase for their JAB series and a 50% increase for their Punch Plus line. With all of the convenience and energy efficiency expected from LED fixtures, this new generation of more potent fixtures may well convert even the most diehard LED holdouts.
AAdynTech has also added a built-in user interface module directly onto the fixture of their JAB Daylight, JAB V2 Variable, and Punch Plus models for making on-the-fly modifications to DMX assignment and effects. The JAB V2 Variable also features upgraded software that allows users to easily adjust color temperature with an integrated digital Kelvin readout.
AAdynTech will have the new fixtures on display at booth C1336.
Remote Audio’s On A Bell System
Location sound specialists Remote Audio will be displaying their new On A Bell bell and light system for film and video production. The rugged, efficient, and reliable system features several configuration options including different bell sizes for various applications and linkable base-stations that can provide a larger coverage area.
Remote Audio also plans to debut a special attachment, the On A Bell Wireless, which enables standard bell and light systems (including Remote Audio’s own On A Bell) to be controlled wirelessly. Bell and light system remotes normally require extremely long cables, which have been the bane of many a crew member. This new On A Bell Wireless system will allow you to cut the cord on your next production, leaving that several-hundred-foot cable behind. The On A Bell Wireless system even offers a General Purpose Interface (GPI) that will be able to wirelessly control air conditioning systems, cue actors at a distance, and more.
Remote Audio will be at Booth C7140.
Sound Devices’ RF Scan
Sound Devices will be at booth C6040 this year, where they will debut a new RF Scan feature for their 688 mixer/recorder and SL-6 powering and wireless system.
With this new RF Scan feature, a zoomable graph on the 688’s color LCD allows users to quickly identify what noise-free frequencies are available within the block. The RF Scan works with SuperSlot-compatible receivers such as Wisycom MCR42 and Lectrosonics SRb and SRc.
RF Scan will be available as part of the 688’s firmware version 3.00 update.
NUGEN Audio’s 9.1 Halo Upmix Plug-in
Join NUGEN Audio on the NAB show floor (booth SL8630) to check out their cool new toys. They’ll be previewing their upcoming Audio Management Batch (AMB) for high-speed automated loudness measurement, correction, and content repurposing, now with greater scalability. John Schorah, NUGEN Audio’s founder, says the AMB will “radically speed up workflows for processing source content to be delivered, for example, to several different international regions.”
NUGEN is also introducing a new 9.1 option for their acclaimed Halo Upmix plug-in. This plug-in will now allow sound designers and post-production engineers to bring existing stereo content into the striking realism of a full Dolby Atmos mix, including overhead positioning, with ease and control. NUGEN says they’ve worked closely with Dolby, Avid, and other industry leaders to ensure that this new 9.1 upmix solution will successfully enhance post-production workflows the world over. As the immersive Dolby Atmos experience becomes more and more of an industry standard, this plug-in will surely pay for itself in no time.
Stop by the NUGEN booth for demos and more info on other cool developments, such as their new flexible licensing options and the integration of their Loudness Toolkit 2 with Adobe Premier Pro CC.
StorExcel’s AXZiS
The StorExcel AXZiS is touted as being a one-stop solution for those content creators and producers who are hungry for a fully integrated platform to streamline their workflow storage with high scalability. What would normally require working with a number of different vendors for integration and support, StorExcel AXZiS handles by itself, packaging everything neatly together in an accessible and easily manageable system.
StorExcel AXZiS is comprised of a Quantum Xcellis system with a Workflow Director high-availability pair and a QXS-412 RAID storage system that provides approximately 60 terabytes of usable capacity via NFS/SMB or SAN. StorExcel currently offers users a choice of two DAM (digital asset management) software systems for their AXZiS platform — Evolphin Zoom and IPV Curator — which run on the Xcellis system as native applications. Stop by the Quantum booth (SL8416) to see the StorExcel AXziS in action.
EditShare New Remote Editing Tools with 4K Support
EditShare, specialists in intelligent shared storage and media management solutions, will be demonstrating the latest release of their EditShare Flow platform with “private cloud” integration, redesigned AirFlow web-based interface, new Apple ProRes and Avid Proxy codec support, and a new remote collaboration and editing application, Flow Story, on display for the first time at NAB.
AirFlow’s “private cloud” allows your facility’s on-premises EditShare storage systems to download and upload proxy or high-resolution media from anywhere in the world using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Flow Story, based on the Lightworks editor, was designed by EditShare as a content creation application specifically for collaborative and remote workflows, and is fully compatible with the “private cloud” storage. You can also expect to see EditShare’s XStream EFS SSD storage system as well, made with collaboration and delivery of 4K and Ultra HD content in mind.
Check out EditShare at booth SL9716.